Post Operative Care
- Do not eat anything or drink hot beverages until the numbness in your mouth wears off. This will prevent you from biting or burning your cheek or tongue.
- You can expect the area to be sore and tender, especially to biting pressure, for a few days following treatment. Typically an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), taken with acetaminophen (Tylenol) consistently for three to four days is enough to control the discomfort. Up to 600 milligrams of ibuprofen and 325 milligrams of acetaminophen can be taken together every eight hours. If ibuprofen cannot be taken, please take acetaminophen only. If a severe infection was present at the time of treatment, symptoms may take longer to subside. An antibiotic and stronger pain medication may be prescribed for you under such circumstances.
- Do not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had the permanent restoration placed by your dentist. You should return to your dentist within two to four weeks for the permanent restoration.
- Use warm compresses or a heating pad on the outside of your face if you experience muscle soreness or jaw pain.
- Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would unless other instructions were discussed during your appointment.
- At times a thin layer of the temporary filling may wear off between appointments. This will not cause harm to your tooth. However, if you feel that the entire filling has come out, please contact the office.
- Contact the office immediately if you experience any of the following:
- a visible swelling inside or outside of your mouth;
- an allergic reaction to a medication, including rash, hives, or itching;
- a return or original symptoms; or
- your bite feels uneven.